New Homeownership Grant Brings Hope to Williams Delight Residents After 30-Year Struggle

Following nearly 30 years of resident frustration over the homeownership process, the new initiative offers a $15,000 flat grant to help residents purchase homes and secure their future

After a nearly 30-year struggle for homeownership in Williams Delight, residents of the housing community’s learned on Thursday that a new pathway to achieving their dream had just opened up. During a community meeting at the Williams Delight Center, Senator Marise James announced a new homeownership grant program through which residents could qualify to receive a grant of $15,000 towards the purchase of a home in the community.

The idea for this initiative came from a town hall meeting last year, where Ms. James said she heard residents describe the obstacles they have faced in trying to become homeowners. The lawmaker said that her awareness of the issue grew after accepting an invitation to another community meeting from Williams Delight Residents Council President Mariesha Maynard. Ms. James then wrote to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. proposing the grant program, which is largely funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, and together with the St. Croix Foundation and the V.I. Housing Authority, officials put the program together.